We Bike Tuscany

If after visiting Florence your destination is Rome, and you want to experience a different, active and adventurous way to get there, this is your tour.

Along the Cassia, the old Roman main road that connected Rome to northern Italy, you'll cycle following the track that for centuries has been walked and riden by Roman legions, emperors, Popes -- and bandits. It's a blend of history, sights and nature that now you have the opportunity to enjoy at your own pace, feeling part of the same emotions as the ancient travellers.

Breathtaking countryside will change dramatically as you pedal south from Tuscany towards Umbria and Lazio. On this journey you'll experience not just some of the most famous and popular spots in Italy, but also many all-too-rare these days undiscovered (at least by mass-tourism) gems. Quaint (but still authentic) little villages, scarcely changed over the centuries, charming trattorias whose delectable food and menus differ along with the region, and last but not least, ancient thermal baths for your soaking pleasure. These will be the highlights of this truly off-the-beaten-path adventure.

If you want to turn your trip into an unforgettable experience, don't drive, don't get on a train - bike to Rome!

OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

Day 1. Florence - Siena (19 miles)

From Florence to the tour starting point on the via Cassia. Start pedaling at your own pace, heading south through the stunning Chianti countryside. Our first stop is Castellina in Chianti, arriving in beautiful Siena in the early afternoon. Visit the town before dinner in a renowned local restaurant in the evening.

Hotel Palazzo Ravizza, Siena

Day 2. Siena - Bagno Vignoni (30 miles)

Today the Cassia road takes us south of Siena into the dramatic lunar landscape of the Val d'Orcia. You will notice that your ride takes longer than expected as it will be impossible not to stop for photos at every turn. This is magic, quintessential Tuscany, celebrated by artists, poets and writers for centuries. Our destination is Bagno Vignoni, the enchanting little village founded by the Romans and famous for its thermal baths. So jump in the pool of your hotel and relax your muscles in the hot (or cool) spring water after a challenging day on the hills!

Hotel Posta, Bagno Vignoni

Day 3. Bagno Vignoni - Bolsena (43 miles)

The hills flatten while the cypresses and vineyards disappear, giving way to the pines as we head further south into Umbria. The countryside slowly changes, becoming more "Mediterranean" in feeling and climate. Rome is getting closer! We arrive in lovely Bolsena in the early afternoon and our hotel is right on the gorgeous lake shore. Relax and enjoy the view from your room or, if you're still bursting with energy, take a refreshing dip in the lake (or hotel swimming pool).

Hotel Holiday sul Lago di Bolsena

Day 4. Bolsena - Rome (56 miles)

Our last day, the most challenging. 56 Miles from Bolsena to Rome. But not to worry as it's mostly flat terrain (no problem after Tuscany's hills!). We find a landscape that reminds us of ancient times (especially as depicted in Hollywood's most epic biblical and gladiator films). Likewise, the villages we pass through have an identity all their own and like nothing we've seen so far. Towns frozen in time -- very real, very charming and decidedly non touristy. Do such places even still exist in Italy? Or is it another movie set? But no time to ponder this. Rome is there -- you can see it in the distance. Another few miles and you'll have arrived at the outskirts of the Eternal City!
Transfer and drop off at taxi stand in Rome.